Christy. first, subscribe to Florida Gardening, a bi-monthly magazine. (www.floridagardening.com) I think the second thing I would look into is improving the drainage in your back yard. Most people don't realize that they can hire a landscaper or designer for only an hour or two for consultation and suggestions. In most cases, a very sound investment. After that, I'd say, the sky's the limit!
cora

Hi
I think the first thing to consider is what type of gardeners you are.. Veggie, grower collector, landscaper what have you. Next how serious , whole garden ,few plants in pots ,couple of beds or entire landscape. Go slowly until you find what your area is like and what interests you. Then get a general layout of where the interests will be located. Certainly consider drainage ,irrigation cold protection,shade .depending on what you want to grow as well as other uses for the land. Most importantly how much time, money and effort to invest. Do you want a landscape ,garden , or just a yard with a few pots??
Sure you can hire landscapers but they can't tell you what you want to grow.
I warn you there's a LOT more stuff that will grow here that you'll ever have room for lol
Floridata has invaluable info of all kinds. Good luck gary

Great, thanks!! I'll sign up for that magazine, great suggestion. We don't have a lot of land, it's maybe 20 feet from the back of the house to the fence and some of that is concrete. There are very nice palms that line the fence with some random things next to them. I don't want a full blown veggie garden, I have two dogs and knowing them that will become their favorite spot - yuck. But I do want to do a few in pots with my daughter. I really want to grow some mini pumpkins for her :) As for the drainage - I'm not sure what we can do - I'm in the middle of the puddle with neighbors all around and a canal completely surrounding us. We are in a flood zone. I could hire a lanscaper to verify. The previous owners did put in some sun loving bushes that are all suffering from mildew in the shady locations they were placed in. In the front garden the ferns and snake plants are thriving - they are coming out. I don't really like ferns but the snake plants could potentially come inside. I'll definitely get some Aloe - I love those flowers!! Thanks, Christy

Welcome to Pembroke Pines. It's a great place to live and raise kids.
Are you east or west in the city? The damage to your fence could've been from Wilma when everything flooded. Unless you noticed your yard being under water this summer, it probably made it thru the rainy season just fine.
FYI most everyone is in a flood zone. Jade plants will grow like you won't believe. Veggie season is starting this weekend....if it cools off.
Run by Flamingo Nursery for a morning trip with your kids. You will see beautiful plants and they have a butterfly exclosure to explore.
Post pictures of your yard when you get a chance to better help us help you.